Leadbelly, I think we interpret the song differently. It is not really about Germany, it is simply about being ripped off. Because of the existing laws and border conditions at the time, life was very easy for the cheats. Many of those never even came to Germany. In most cases, the men, who travelled to Germany, never even met the agents.
I don't think the welders were looking for easy money. They were simply determined to work. They have my respect for being prepared to travel to find it.